If you like this, try…
Wines like Viognier
A full-bodied, apricot-and-honeysuckle-scented Rhône variety that nearly disappeared in the 1960s. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
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What do you like about Viognier?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- The tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
- How full and weighty it is
- Body is how much the wine seems to fill your mouth — the difference between skimmed and whole milk. It comes mostly from alcohol and ripeness.
- The creamy, rounded texture
- A soft, almost dairy-like roundness. In white wine it usually comes from malolactic fermentation or from time on the lees, not from the grape.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- How aromatic it is
- Some grapes announce themselves from across the room — Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc. Others are far quieter, and quiet is not the same as dull.
- The spice
- Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
Looking for something keeping the floral, perfumed side and the full body and weight, while moving away from too perfumed, too peppery and too tropical or sweet-smelling.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Condrieu
Both are made from viognier, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
- Keeps the floral, perfumed side.
- Keeps the full body and weight.
- About as perfumed as the wine you started from.
- About as peppery as the wine you started from.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Fiano di Avellino
Fiano di Avellino scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Has noticeably less of the floral, perfumed side.
- Has some of the full body and weight, though less of it.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Has some of the floral, perfumed side, though less of it.
- Has noticeably less of the full body and weight.
- Substantially less perfumed.
- Substantially less peppery.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Condrieu
Both are made from viognier, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Fiano di Avellino
Fiano di Avellino scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Muscadelle
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Maria Gomes
Maria Gomes scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Clairette
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Condrieu
Both are made from viognier, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Grenache Blanc
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Prosecco
Prosecco scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but drier
Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Moscatel de Setúbal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Ortega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Ximénez scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Clairette
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Maria Gomes
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Condrieu
Both are made from viognier, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Roussanne
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Fiano di Avellino
Fiano di Avellino scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Marsanne
curatedIts Rhône neighbour and frequent blending partner, with similar weight.
Expect: Much less aromatic, waxier and more nutty.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Condrieu
Both are made from viognier, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Malagousia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscadelle
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Change the mood
Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.
A safe next step
Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Condrieu
Both are made from viognier, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less spicy.
Condrieu
Both are made from viognier, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Fiano
Fiano scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Chardonnay
curatedComparable body and texture in a far more widely available variety.
Expect: Much less aromatic, with citrus and oak in place of apricot and blossom.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Viognier across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.